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Checking the GPS

Jeremiah 22:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Do you ever wish you could ask God for directions like you do your GPS?  You know something like, “Hey God, I need directions to the next big life event I need to get to?”

“Hey God, I need directions to the next big life event I need to get to?”

In of which, God would reply with some great plan ready for you to print out or keep on your phone with voice commands giving you directions.  Yes, even the occasional “RECALCULATING” when we take a wrong turn.  Thank goodness, God allows U-turns!

I am sure this isn’t some big news flash for any of us, but God does come with GPS, God’s Planned Steps.  The only difference between his GPS and what Siri has to offer us is we don’t always get to see the entire journey mapped out ahead.  Sure he gives us directions along the way.  We see lots of guidance and directions in the bible:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

These are all directions of things we are suppose to do in life along our journey. But what about the direction of “Wait”.

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Ps 27:14

I mean, I don’t know about you but waiting is not my favorite thing to do.  I am a mover and go-er.  Sometimes I would almost rather be doing the wrong thing than just waiting around and doing nothing.  Wait a second (sorry, no pun intended), “wait” is something.  “Wait” is an action verb.

In her book, Wait and See, Wendy Pope points out, “We all have to allow God to do a work in us before he can do a work through us.” Many times the working in us looks a lot like waiting because we can’t see the whole map.

It is in those moments of waiting we start to question God.  We reach out and ask for directions just like you ask your GPS, only we seem to hear nothing.  We have to remember our GPS, God’s Planned Steps, aren’t broken during this wait.  It isn’t even recalculating.  “Waiting” is the direction.  It is a pre-planned, mapped out direction on this journey.

So instead of looking at it as doing nothing or your GPS is broken because it isn’t telling you anything, think of it as the part of the journey when Siri pops up and says, “For the next 150 miles continue on Route 66.”  You are still traveling, I promise! And when it is time for you to take an exit or make a turn, God’s voice will pop up because he knows the plans he has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 22:11 (NIV)

Be blessed, enjoy the ride and have a safe journey!
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Deeply Distressed and Troubled

Mark 14:12 (NIV)

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you.  Take this cup from me.  Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Do you hear that?  Yep, it is my knees knocking AGAIN!  I have been in the education field for going on 18 years.  However, when I have to stand up in front of a group of people I still get the proverbial butterflies (seems more like bats) in my tummy.  My hands get all sweaty, my stomach turns, my heart races and then there is the shaking all over.

Have you ever been there?  Do you ever get a case of the nerves?  Maybe it isn’t public speaking that makes you want to run.  Maybe there is something else that can rock your world in a matter of 2.2 seconds.  Whatever it is, I want you to know…it is normal!  You are not going to die of a heart attack, you probably won’t even throw up or faint or anything. Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t promise the last two, although I did say probably;0)

Can I tell you a little secret?  Did you know that Jesus got a case of the nerves? No, really!  It says right in Mark 14:33-34.

He (Jesus) took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch (NIV).

If that doesn’t sound like a case of the nerves, I don’t know what does. Jesus knew his time was coming to an end.  He knew what he was going to face next.

Now, I realize what he was about to face: his betrayal, arrest, conviction, punishment, and death would certainly make anyone deeply distressed and troubled.  What I want you to realize is he didn’t stay that way.  He knew exactly where to turn.

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” Mark 14:12 (NIV).

When Jesus was deeply distressed and troubled he turned to the one person that he knew would pull him through, his Father, God!

I want to challenge you today.  No matter what impossible nerve racking, knee knocking deeply distressed and troubled problem you are facing, turn to the one who will walk you through it.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalms 55:22 (NIV)


Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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I want to be THAT woman!

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

I recently had the privilege of going to a celebration of life for a very dear lady. This lady brought joy to everyone she met and she never met a stranger.  The minute you shook her hand you were family!

People spoke of her love for her husband, kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  They told stories of how she was a prayer warrior and had brought comfort to so many others around her.  Even on her death bed as people were walking in to say their goodbyes she was enquiring how they were doing and how their families were.

They spoke of how she was always filled with joy and she never complained.  Believe me, she had lots to complain about.  She had many serious health problems that left her wheelchair bound and she was blind.  She lost her first husband after 51 years. Her second love died before they could get married.  She lost two children and a grandson.

I think one of my favorite stories about her was how she met her last husband.  He also has severe health issues that left him wheelchair bound.  He told their story with such love and respect.  He was in the nursing home and had just lost his first wife of many years.  He was heartbroken and devastated.  Karen wheeled up next to him to offer him comfort and prayed with him.  She continued to do so every day.  Six months later they were married.  His final words about her described her as part of him.

Needless to say, I walked away from the services thinking, I want to be THAT woman!

I want to be THAT woman who loves with all of her heart.

I want to be THAT woman who never stops being concerned for others.

I want to be THAT woman who makes everyone feel like family.

I want to be THAT woman that brings joy to your heart when you hear my name.

I want to be THAT woman who is a part of someone.

I want to be THAT woman who wakes and up and Satan says, “Oh, no she is up!”

God made us to love and care for each other.  He made us to need each other. He loves us so much He sent his only son to die for us so that we could be with Him forever.  He is a part of us and we are a part of Him.  We are family.

He puts people into our lives to show us his love in a more physical and tangible way.  I want to be that woman who all men know I am his disciple because I have love for them.

I want to be THAT woman!
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Parts of the Whole

Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

When I look into the past I see many wonderful memories. I also see some not so wonderful memories. Things that I would rather forget. Like the time I was in the movie theater and my mom leaned over to ask me what time it was. I quickly glanced at my watch only to remember too late that was the hand I had my drink in. OK, now that I am giggling, maybe I do want to keep that one. But I guarantee there a lot more filled with pain, heartache, and tears that I would rather pull out of my head and throw in a bowl and lock away in a cupboard like Professor Dumbledore.

I also have a bunch of mixed memories. After 10 years of marriage, we called it quits. He had moved on to someone else and there was no fixing things. Now there are many moments right there I would rather forget, but what about all those pleasant memories I still carry of our marriage. I mean we did love each once. We also had three wonderful children together. I have many fond memories of birthdays, Christmases, vacations, and family fun nights, do I just throw them away too?

It becomes very tangled when you add to the story that I now have remarried and he brought with him two more children and a past life with another woman. We have made a bunch of new memories together. Do we just cut out our previous lives? Full confession moment, sometimes when I think of an old memory, I feel like I am cheating on my husband.

You may have not gotten a divorce, but you may have been a child of divorce. Or, you may have had other relationships like previous boyfriends or girlfriends, maybe even just an old friendship that ended. The point is we all have previous lives. No matter how embarrassing or hurtful these memories are, they are making you who you are right now.

These wonderful, beautiful pieces of history are teachable moments.

My father always taught me when you walk into a room full of people you will learn something from the smartest person and the dumbest. Well, I am telling you today do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. We can all learn from the most favorable and even the not so favorable.
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Satan, party of 2, please!

Psalms 3:1-2 (NIV)
1Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2Many are saying of me
“God will not deliver him”

You know, when I became a Christian I realized life was not going to always be filled with rainbows, unicorns, puppies, and kittens. However, I was really kind of hoping with all of those “blessed are’s” in the bible, I wouldn’t have those Lord Voldemort is banging on my door and he has brought Maleficent as his plus one kind of parties. You may recognize those parties. Some call them pity parties.

When David wrote Psalms 3, he was fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who was out to kill him. He felt his foes were everywhere. There was nowhere to turn. No one to trust. He was all alone. He was crying out a woe is me song in verses 1 and 2.

Now, there aren’t many foes in my life (although like David, I sometimes think so). However, if I get right down to it, there are two foes that often bring me to the fetal position, Satan and his plus one…Me.

Yes, the most dangerous person to me is me. My self-talk is often horrible. I mean would never stand for someone bullying someone else. Yet, I am the biggest bully on the playground when I talk to myself. Maybe you have heard those snide comments too…

“You are so frumpy, dumpy and old!”
“How stupid are you?”
“Idiot!”
“What makes you think you can do that?”

And yes, I have even overheard myself trying to convince me, “There is no way God will deliver me from this one.”

I would love to tell you that this brings out the Super Christian in me. I am in my bright and shining armor standing tall for truth, justice, and the American way! Yeah… well… umm… not exactly. Like David, it drives me to my knees. But that is OK because it is right where God wants me.

You see, David didn’t just end the Psalm at the pity party. He went on in verse 3 and 4 to call out to the one person he knew he could trust and would save him.

3But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. (NIV)

When that big bully steps up I cry out to the Lord and answers me. He reminds of who I really am. I am loved, wanted and adored by Him! That is when I stand up, adjust my crown, and proclaim, “Just who do you think you are because I know who I am! I am His and you aren’t invited to our party!”
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Nap Time!

Mark 6:31b (NIV)
Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.

My husband is the busiest man I know.  Just looking at his calendar makes me break out in a sweat.  He works 3rd shift, 4 nights a week at a local gas station.  Add to that, he is a volunteer EMT/Fireman, Chaplain, Interim Pastor, Children’s Ministry Volunteer, Umpire/Referee for softball, baseball, basketball, and volleyball, he is interning for his counseling degree and don’t forget general all around husband, father, and grandfather.  OK, are you sweating now too? Seriously, my head hurts!

Me you ask?  Oh, I fulfill my duties as wife, mom, grandma, Children’s Ministry Volunteer, Special Education Teacher at a public high school, head of two independent consulting jobs (jewelry sales and service dog consulting/training), a student working on her dissertation to finish her doctorate degree and oh yes, an author. Wow! I guess my plate is pretty full too.

What about you?  Do you ever feel like you are meeting yourself coming and going?  Do you recognize the people in your home that claim to be related to you?  Do you recognize that person you just passed in the mirror? Yes, I have actually done a double take wondering who else just walked into my bathroom. Don’t judge it was early in the morning, the hair was a mess and well never mind.

Being busy and having lots of obligations isn’t a bad thing.  We all like to feel needed.  God made us to be servants. Even Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  However, Jesus also knew when to take it down a notch.  He understood he needed time away to rest.

In our verse today Jesus saw that the disciples were spent.  As a matter of fact, the first part of verse 31 says. “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat.” Wait, stop right there!  I am telling you right now if you look up “hangry” in the urban dictionary of slang, you will see my angry little face!  You know you have all been there.  The bottom line is we are not any good to any of those people we serve if we are worn out.

Make some time today before you are spent and hangry.  Go with God by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.  You won’t mess up your schedule.  You won’t run out of time.  What you will do is recharge, refresh and relax in God’s arms, so you will be ready to get up and serve again.
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Overwhelming…Squirrel!

Psalms 29:11 (NIV)
The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.

I really just need to type today. My brain feels so full and yet I have nothing to say. Have you ever felt that way? A million words swarming in your head but none of them seem to go together. I almost want to just start pulling them out of my ear and throwing them in the air. See if I can make a sentence. At best I think I could come up with a fragment. Certainly not a complex sentence. String a few together and I might get an incoherent paragraph.

If I tried to draw a picture right now it would look a lot like The Scream by Munch but not so dark and desperate. Maybe it would look a lot more like The Starry Night by van Gogh. It would definitely be impressionistic with lots of color and swirls. Flowers, butterflies, and clouds would dot the canvas. Free spirits all of them in their own right.

These are the moments when I feel like the poster child for ADHD.com.  You know that moment when you feel so overwhelmed and you try to focus but then…SQUIRREL!  Only in my house instead of “Squirrel”, we say “Oh, shiny thing!”

I have a good friend who told me this is when she just wants to shut down and do nothing because she feels she can’t accomplish anything. Grab that remote jump on the couch and Netflix binge time here I come! Don’t judge, you know you have all been there just insert your own binge (food, shopping, Facebook, Pinterest, reading…).

Sometimes we may actually need that unwind time.  That pause from life, if you will.  However, we can’t let that pause turn into a STOP!  It is in those moments we cling to promises from God like today’s verse from Psalms 29.  “The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord Blesses his people with peace.”

God, I need your strength to push on and your peace to help me focus through.  You know there are lots of squirrels and shiny objects out there, but I have life to attend to. I thank you for your promises of walking beside me and even carrying me when I need it. Most of all I thank you for that peace above our own understanding (Philippians 4:7) that will help quiet my mind and let me move on with my day.
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

 

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I Will Write Nothing Today

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

It is a beautiful Saturday morning, the sun is out and the birds are chirping.  I mean it is truly picturesque!  I curl up in my favorite spot on the couch, sipping my hot tea, pen poised ever so ready. I ponder what kind of great wisdom I can bestow upon you today.  What do you need to hear from me (or read)?  What beautifully, eloquently chosen words should flow from my pen?  I sit and I wait and I ask God what can I tell you today.  Then I hear a resounding nothing!

No, I don’t mean I didn’t hear God say anything.  I mean I heard God say the word, “Nothing!”

I can’t tell you anything. I mean yes, right now, the sun is shining and the birds are chirping. But please, did I mention to see that the sun I had to look over the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.  Yeah, the birds are chirping, but so is the traffic racing by my house.  Oh, and don’t get me started on that pile of dirty socks and undies calling my name, which is the real reason I am sitting here still in my pj’s if you know what I mean.

I can’t help you with your fears, doubts, hopelessness, anxiety or even your joys. Shoot, I struggle with all of those myself. But God can.  It isn’t my words you came here to read at this very moment.  It is God’s.  It just happens to be my pen (or actually a keyboard) He has chosen to use right now.

I have hopes and dreams just like you.  As a matter of fact…I am doing one of them right this very moment!  I want to write.  However, with all of my hopes and dreams come anxieties and fear and… ‘I cant’s!’

Maybe you have some ‘I can’ts’ too!  I can’t because I am too old.  I can’t because I am too young or too fat or too thin.  I can’t because I am not bold enough or educated enough.  Perhaps you have heard the I can’t because I don’t have enough money, energy or time.

Well, guess what you are 100% correct!  You can’t, but God can!  Furthermore, today He just may have chosen you to be his instrument of choice to deliver all those hopes and dreams.

The sooner we are willing to admit and accept the ‘I  can’t’ statements, we can let go and let God show us He can!

I am OK that I told you nothing today and I can’t write this.  I am glad God stepped in and did it instead.  I challenge you today to do nothing because you can’t!  Instead, let’s follow our verse today and do everything through Christ who strengthens us.  Let’s remember WE can’t, but GOD can!
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Wanted for Getting Up and Going Out into the World!

 Psalm 23:4

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
 I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

     I recently discovered when you wake up and this is the first thing that pops into your mind…well…hang on!  You are in for an adventurous day!

Bill collector called because a payment that I made didn’t process correctly.  I got into a fight with my husband out of nowhere.  My kids were fighting over which last nerve they got to hit.  Oh, yeah and I almost got flattened twice.  Once by a semi and the other a huge truck.  Let me tell you they felt intentional.

Yep, I woke up and that put me on a wanted poster from Hell, literally!  Don’t get me wrong; I am glad Satan thinks I am such a threat right now, but wow!  My whole day when he would peek his evil little head up, I heard this verse in my head.  I realized my shadows of death can take many forms.  It isn’t just a physical death.  Satan is happiest with a spiritual death.

So, what is your shadow of death today?  What does your wanted poster from Hell say?  Don’t worry!  You don’t have to fear the shadow of death because God is there to go with you. Remember, when it looks totally dark this verse has a promise in it.  You are walking THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death.  You are not staying.  You and God are just passing through.   He has even packed along some comfort for your journey.  Enjoy your time together!   It will pass the time so much faster.

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A Shoulder To Cry On

Psalms 34:15 (NASB)
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry.

Some days I just need a shoulder to cry on. I just need to know someone is there. I don’t need my problem fixed. I don’t need a white knight to come rescue me. I just need a quite place to regroup. I just need someone to love me.

I have fond memories of my Daddy picking me up and holding me. For those moments, there was no one else in the world but him and I. I knew there was nothing that would harm me or take me out of that place of peace and love right then.

Now, I am a little too big to run and have my Dad catch me or even curl up in his lap. But , I will never be to big to fall into his arms. I am grateful that my father is still with me. I am more grateful that my father has given me an example of what my Heavenly Father does.

I’ve been through a divorce. I’ve been jobless, homeless and sick. I have six children so there are many tears shed there. Through all of my trials in life I have felt times of peace. Notice I said times of peace, not peace all of the time. I felt that peace when I gave up my fight for a few minutes. I laid my weapons down. I went running Home. I jumped into my Father’s lap. He cradled me and I had a shoulder to cry on. Better yet, He also dusted me off and put me back on my path to continue on. He knows I don’t need Him to fix it. I don’t need Him to take it all away. Because if a an eagle never faces the edge of the nest, she will never learn to fly. But, when those storms hit it is always nice to have a nest to come and rest in for a moment.

Are you ready to let God be your nest today? You Daddy in Heaven is waiting with arms wide open. Why don’t you take a minute and jump in. After all, The eyes of the Lord are upon you and His ears are open to your cry.